Outdoor Recreation

Link to Unique Communities Communities all over the region are amazing, but Yellow Medicine is home to some great ones! Each city has its its claim to fame, special celebration, and charm.

Unique Communities

Yellow Medicine, or Pejuhutazizi in the Dakota language, is the name of the bitter root of the moonseed plant used by the Native Americans for medicinal purposes, and the source of this 758-square-mile county’s name. In addition to the area’s Indian heritage, early settlers included mostly English, Scandinavian, German, Irish, Scottish, and Bohemian immigrants. The Minnesota River cuts through what is now the eastern boundary of Yellow Medicine County. Enjoy the granite waterfalls, rolling hills, and meandering streams that accompany this major river. Members of the Dakota Nation found the prairie and the Minnesota River bottoms a bountiful place to live, making this entire area rich in the history of Dakota culture.

From the riverbank, today’s visitors can fish for walleye, northern, catfish, bullhead, and carp. Watch for white pelicans and great blue herons along edges of shallow pools. Spotted sandpipers, killdeer, and other shore birds frequently hunt for insects on the gravel bars and mudflats along the river. Red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, and white pelicans catch the air currents above the valley. Bald eagles winter in the Minnesota River Valley.

Fagen Fighters WWII Museum

Fagen Fighters WWII Museum is home to a pristine collection of fully operational, active aircraft and vehicles from World War II. Also featured are fine art, bronze sculptures, interactive multimedia displays, and an ever-growing library. The facility is designed as a self guided experience, and gives a rare look into the lives and legacy of the Greatest Generation.

Minnesota's Machinery Museum

Follow Highway 23 southwest of Granite Falls to Hanley Falls, home of Minnesota Machinery Museum. The museum offers indoor exhibits of pioneer farm machinery and vintage automobiles, most of which are still fully operational. You’ll find large displays of equipment and tools, décor from early farm homes, a room full of beautiful handmade quilts, and other reminders of early Minnesota. A summertime regional threshing show is held the first full weekend in August. The museum hosts six acres of buildings and authentic equipment, making this one of Minnesota’s premier agricultural museums. Bring a picnic and enjoy a kick back experience!

Upper Sioux Agency State Park

Upper Sioux Agency State Park contains the site of the Upper Sioux or Yellow Medicine Agency. The park was established in 1963 to preserve and interpret the remains of the old Agency site. The park covers 1,280 acres and offers diversity: open prairie knolls, bluffs, and cool, wooded slopes. From the visits, visitors enjoy the trails which are ideal for horseback riding, hiking, skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling.

In a history-filled river valley, a Wacipi celebrates Dakota culture. But on the first weekend of August, people of indigenous and European descent alike come to Upper Sioux Agency State Park to have a good time. At a wacipi, or powwow, the tradition of welcoming outsiders has held steady for many generations.

The world’s oldest rock is located right in Yellow Medicine County! The exposed rock is 3.8 billion years old, which is impressive considering the earth itself is only 4.5 billion years. This rock was exposed from the mantle when Glacial Lake Agassiz emptied into the ocean during the last Ice Age. The draining of this impossibly huge lake apparently caused the ocean to rise 1-3 feet. Walk right up to it and touch a piece of true geologic history if you want!

Prairie's Edge Casino Resort

Prairies Edge Casino Resort; proudly owned & operated by the Upper Sioux Community, is located three miles south of Granite Falls on Highway 23 and offers everything you need for the ideal getaway. Guests are invited to relax and enjoy one of our luxurious hotel rooms and suites, exhilarating gaming action with close to 1000 of your favorite games, exceptional cuisine, and our spacious Convention Center whose staff would be happy to host your next meeting or special event. Therefore, we invite you to explore Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort. We know you will enjoy your stay!

Stone Hill Regional Park, Del Clark Lake

Stone Hill and Del Clark Lake extend a warm invitation to you and your family to join us for the fun and relaxation of getting away to enjoy nature and the great outdoors! This park and lake offers a hard surface access road leads you to 64 spacious campsites. They offer electric, water and sewer hook-ups at most sites for your camping needs. Primitive sites are also available.

Yellow Medicine County Historical Society

The Yellow Medicine County Historical Society was first organized in 1937 with officers from all parts of the county. Museum displays tell a story of the geology and archaeology of the Minnesota Valley, Native American history, and pioneer life in the county. The museum maintains a fine historical reference and genealogical library available during museum hours and by appointment.

Yellow Medicine County Fair

Cheese curds, Ferris Wheel rides, Demo Derbies, Sprint Racing, who doesn’t love a county fair! Canby is home to the Yellow Medicine County Fair! Since 1899. A celebration for those near and far that showcases all that the county has to offer. Plenty of things to do and see for young and old such as children’s activities, entertainment, food and merchandise vendors, livestock and agriculture competitions, midway rides and much, much more. For more details and updates on the upcoming attractions and events visit Yellow Medicine County Fair.

Minnesota West Technical College

Minnesota West Community & Technical College provides dynamic, responsive, creative, and quality education to a diverse population in an ever-changing educational, business and cultural environment. One of the important goals is to provide students with access to learning and information through electronic education and technology in addition to traditional methods of instruction. A second goal is to position students with transferable credit, employment skills and the ability to access lifelong learning. Minnesota West wants to be a regional partner with agencies, other educational institutions, businesses and industries.